What exactly is ADHD?
Everyone hears a lot about attention deficit problems these days
and the condition has even become a staple of media
entertainment (mainly sitcoms), appearing as a humor-based topic
on shows like Desperate Housewives and the animated series,
South Park. But what exactly are attention problems beyond how
we might normally conceptualize them?
The condition known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,
or ADHD, can be summarized in a variety of ways, but
essentially, the condition is simply one that is denoted by
characteristic hyperactivity, short attention span, and high
impulsivity. It is also a medical condition for which the
diagnosis is occurring far more frequently. And, though this may
not be surprising to some, the disorder is one that
predominantly affects one particular gender.
How prevalent is ADHD? It may affect between from five to ten
percent of younger children with the condition being diagnosed
far more frequently in males versus females (up to 10 times more
often).
Very often, an ADHD patient will show symptoms of other
conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Those with ADHD also
tend to have a certain degree of emotional instability and a
reduced level of maturity comparable to their peers. Again, this
is no surprise to parents and teachers. Unfortunately, as well,
learning disorders are also fairly common among those with
attention deficit problems.
Many of the same parents and teachers who must deal with
attention problems in children on a daily basis, however, might
be surprised to learn that many adults have attention deficit
issues also (though prescription drug treatment and counseling
for ADHD is typically aimed at adolescents and children). Very
often, the adult with ADHD is not even aware that he or she has
the condition. And, in fact, many older persons with ADHD are
not diagnosed with the condition until relatively late in life.
Presently, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is believed
to be genetically transferred and passed on by heredity. And
popular conceptions about the disorder take the position that it
is the result of biochemical abnormalities within the brain.
Coincidentally, this mirrors current views regarding bipolar
disorder, a medical and psychiatric problem that seems to be
caused, at least in part, by neurochemical deficits.
What should you do if you suspect your child may have ADHD, or
suspect that you or another adult may have the disorder? Seek
appropriate help, possibly from an internist, or a psychiatrist
or other mental health practitioner who is trained to diagnose
the disorder and evalute its severity. And do it soon. ADHD can
be a difficult condition to live with, but, with proper
intervention, its severity can be managed.